Patriots scout attends local Pro Day
The Patriots have had representatives in seemingly every corner of the country for this year’s Pro Day circuit. From Alabama to Texas to Pennsylvania to Idaho, they’ve been busy.
However, their most recent Pro Day trip was a little more manageable. As shared by Dave Peck of FoxABC Maine, the Patriots had an unidentified scout present at Maine’s Pro Day in Orono on Monday.
Maine had nine players work out on Monday, highlighted by all-conference wide receiver Andre Miller. Miller is a big body possession receiver. He ran a 4.53 40 at 6-foot-2, 224 pounds.
Other players taking part in the workout were offensive lineman PJ Barr, linebacker Ray Miller, and defensive backs Katley Joseph and Shaquille St-Lot. Four former Maine players also participated as a chance to get in front of NFL scouts, which isn’t uncommon to see at Pro Days especially at smaller schools. That group was made up of wide receiver Jaquan Blair, linebackers Taji Lowe and DeShawn Stevens, and running back Joe Fitzpatrick.
The Black Bears have produced NFL talent over the last few years. Their most notable alumni in the league right now is hybrid fullback and defensive end Patrick Ricard, who just signed a three-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens.
Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots have brought in multiple players from Maine. Safety Brandon McGowan started 11 games for the team in 2009. Tight end Matthew Mulligan played 15 games in 2013, and caught a touchdown pass. Linebacker Trevor Bates spent two seaons with the Patriots’ practice squad and has a ring from Super Bowl LI.
Other Pro Day breakdowns
—Georgia
—Alabama
—Penn State
—Florida
—Maryland
—Houston/Rice
—Boise State
—Tulsa
—Western Kentucky
New Patriots player personnel director begins Pro Day circuit
OT Tyler Smith
Oct 3, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane offensive tackle Tyler Smith (56) guards during the second quarter of a game against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Smith has all of the size the Patriots look for at tackle at 6-foot-5, 324 pounds and he plays the game with a nasty edge. He’s still raw technically though and is seen as a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. By showing positional versatility – either as a swing tackle or as a combo tackle/guard – he could increase his draft stock which projects to be a late Day 2 pick. If the Patriots are satisfied with their tackle situation for 2022 but want a long-term project player with upside, he could be a fit.
IOL Chris Paul
Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane offensive lineman Chris Paul (71) blocks Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back Cam Jones (2) during the game at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Paul is one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects on Day 3 of the draft. A Senior Bowl participant, he played both tackle and guard in college, and has the strong football IQ you’d expect from a player that moves around that much. A four-year starter, his high motor helped overshadow some of his more technical shortcomings, which will need to be fixed at the next level. Those who covered him at Tulsa also rave about him as a positive locker room presence and academic standout. Football isn’t his only passion – he also produced an EP Roads under the stage name The Seventh.
WR Josh Johnson
Sep 11, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane wide receiver Josh Johnson (4) runs with the ball after a reception during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys won 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
A Iowa State transfer, Johnson had a breakout year for Tulsa in 2021 catching 82 passes for 1,087 yards and six touchdowns. That included an eight-catch, 148-yard performance against Ohio State. He didn’t run the 40 at the Combine, but is expected to be one of the faster receivers in this class and wins mostly with his speed. Johnson is currently projected to be a priority UDFA.
CB Travon Fuller
Sep 18, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane cornerback Travon Fuller (2) intercepts a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeremy Ruckert (88) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Fuller transferred to Tulsa from Texas A&M in 2021 and played a starting role for the Golden Hurricane. In 13 games he intercepted three passes – including one against Ohio State – while deflecting nine more and forcing a fumble. A bigger corner at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, he also contributed in the running game and recorded4.5 tackles for a loss. He’s currently projected to go undrafted.
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